What should you use to signal for help if stranded on the water?

In a situation where you are stranded on the water, it is essential to have various effective means of signaling for help. Using a flare, whistle, or signaling mirror offers multiple reliable ways to attract attention and communicate your need for assistance.

A flare is highly visible and can be seen from a great distance, making it an excellent choice for signaling during the day or night. A whistle is effective for close-range signaling and can be heard over significant distances, especially in open water conditions. A signaling mirror can reflect sunlight, providing a way to send a visual signal to aircraft or boats passing by.

These methods of signaling complement each other, ensuring that regardless of environmental conditions, you have a means to effectively communicate your position and need for help. Relying solely on one method, such as a radio or a color flag, wouldn't offer the same level of versatility and effectiveness in all scenarios.